The racetracks in Hot Springs and West Memphis have long operated casinos in all but name. Supreme Court earlier this year, and Issue 4 overrides an Arkansas statute that otherwise still bans the practice in the state

The amendment authorizes “any game played with cards, dice, equipment, or any mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic device or machine for money, property, checks, credit, or any representative value, as well as accepting wagers on sporting events.” A federal law prohibiting sports betting was struck down by the U.S. Sanctioned gaming activities include anything found in casinos from Tunica to Vegas.

No entity may hold more than one license. The racing commission will award the other two licenses following a merit-based application process that has yet to be established. The Garland County license must be awarded to Oaklawn Jockey Club in Hot Springs and the Crittenden County license must be awarded to Southland Racing Corp., which operates the greyhound track in West Memphis. The measure directs the Arkansas State Racing Commission to issue four new licenses for casinos to be located in Garland, Crittenden, Jefferson and Pope counties. Nonetheless, Issue 4 will significantly expand gambling in Arkansas.